Jesus transforms

In a world of TikTok trends, Instagram influencers, and countless self-improvement apps, we're constantly bombarded with messages about transforming ourselves. "Get the perfect body!" "Go travelling!" "Be your best self!" Sound familiar? While there's nothing wrong with healthy habits or personal growth, as Catholics, we're called to something deeper. We often hear that "Jesus transforms lives" - but what does that actually mean when you're dealing with exam/test stress, friendship drama, or trying to figure out who you really are?

The most powerful testament to Jesus's transformative power isn't found in books or lectures - it's visible in the way we live our lives. And the way we see others live too. When we truly embrace our faith in Christ, it shows in our actions, choices, and relationships.

Just look at the saints!

You know, when we talk about the saints, they're not just these distant figures in history books - they're real people who show us what it means to be transformed by faith.

But more importantly, the brilliant thing about saints is that they were regular people who made extraordinary choices. Think of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who offered his life in place of a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz, or how St. Catherine of Siena wasn't afraid to speak truth to power, just like how we might need to challenge toxic cultures or speak up against inequalities in our localities. The saints took those kinds of brave decisions all the time, just on a bigger scale!

And here's the most encouraging part - they weren't perfect either. Just like how we might occasionally sleep through our alarm and miss Mass, or lose our temper with our family, the saints had their struggles too. The amazing thing is that Jesus isn't looking for perfection - He just wants us to keep trying. That's what real transformation looks like!

What Does Transformation Look Like in Real Life?

Let's talk about what transformation really looks like in everyday life. When it comes to growing in virtue, it might mean choosing to stay in and revise when your mates are pressuring you to go out, or taking that deep breath to stay calm when your sibling "borrows" your stuff without asking (we've all been there!). Sometimes it's about having the courage to stand up for someone being picked on, even when it might not make you the most popular person.

Building authentic relationships is another huge part of this journey. Maybe it's being that supportive friend who's there during a tough break-up, without any judgement. Or perhaps it's about moving beyond those surface-level chats in insta DM’s and Snapchat to have real, meaningful conversations. It's also about surrounding yourself with friends who lift you up and support your values, rather than just hanging about with the "cool crowd". And yes, this includes being honest with your parents, even when it's tough!

When it comes to finding your true identity (that is, in Christ), it's about being confident in your faith even when others might not get it. It means learning to love yourself for who you are, not for how many likes your latest post gets. Most importantly, it's about making decisions based on your values and what you believe in, not just going along with what everyone else is doing.

Making This Real: Your Journey Starts Here

Look, I get it - all this talk about transformation might sound pretty intense. But here's the thing: it's actually about taking small steps that fit into your everyday life. Let's break this down into some real, doable stuff that won't have you feeling overwhelmed:

First and foremost, let's talk about prayer and reflection. This doesn't mean you need to spend hours on your knees! Maybe it's starting with a quick morning prayer while you're brushing your teeth, or taking five minutes before bed to reflect on your day. You could even use your favourite playlist for some quiet reflection time on your way to school, uni or work.

Now, I know Sunday morning Mass might mean missing out on a lie-in, but hear me out. There's something powerful about being part of something bigger than yourself, and receiving the Eucharist can be that spiritual boost you need to tackle whatever life throws at you during the week. Plus, Confession? It's literally a fresh start button - how brilliant is that? And, if you’re not a morning person, most parishes do an evening vigil or even a Sunday evening mass.

Finding your ‘people’ is super important too. If there's a youth group at your parish, or a Catholic society at your college or uni. These aren't just places to hang out - they're where you can meet people who get what you're going through and won't judge you for wanting to grow in your faith. Trust me, having friends who support your values makes everything easier!

And here's something that might surprise you - serving others isn't just about helping the homeless (though that is great too!). Maybe it's helping your younger sibling with homework, standing up for someone, or just being there for a mate going through a rough time. These small acts of kindness? They're transforming both you and the world around you.

Here's the most important thing to remember: this isn't about becoming perfect overnight. You're going to mess up. You'll probably sleep through your alarm and miss Mass sometimes, or lose your cool with your parents, or forget to pray. That's totally normal! The brilliant thing about Jesus is that He's not expecting perfection - He just wants you to keep trying.

When you start making these changes, people notice. Not because you're suddenly walking around with a halo over your head, but because there's something different about how you handle stress, treat others, and approach life's challenges. That's what real transformation looks like - and trust me, it's way more impressive than any social media glow-up!

I hope this gives you some food for thought.

Godbless,

Mel